Sport

Poll names Brown tops in Six Nations

England full-back Mike Brown has won the 2014 RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship award.

The Southampton-born player, who was in blistering form throughout the Six Nations campaign, secured more than 34 per cent of a public vote to claim an accolade that went to Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny last season.

Some 68,000 people took part in the vote, with Brown's share of that being just over 23,400.

Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll finished second on 28 per cent, with his team-mate Andrew Trimble third.

O’Driscoll bowed out of Test rugby last weekend when he helped Ireland beat France to land a first Six Nations title since 2009 in the process.

A 16-man shortlist was drawn up based on match statistics and analysis across a set of criteria, before the public voted.

Harlequins star Brown, a former Peter Symonds College student in Winchester and Salisbury colt, scored four tries for England during the campaign, had 65 carries and beat 25 defenders, while conceding no penalties and gaining more than 540 metres.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me to be RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship,” Brown said.

“I am extremely grateful and proud to win this award, particularly as it’s decided by the supporters.

“It was disappointing not to win the tournament overall, but congratulations to Ireland, and I am sure we will come back stronger next season.

“Finally, a big thank you to all my team-mates, back-room staff, and coaches for all the help they’ve given me through the tournament. I couldn’t perform on the field without them, and it’s great to have that support.”